There’s something magical about biting into a piece of fried chicken that is perfectly crunchy on the outside and impossibly juicy on the inside. It is a dish that transcends cultures, memories, and even time. But how to replicate that back home? The answer is simple: brine.
Welcome to Easy Brined and Fried Chicken — the world where indulgent meets easy. This is taking fried chicken to another height, where it isn’t just battered and fried, it is brined, is a mouthwatering mix of salt, sugar and seasoning, and tenderizes the chicken by replacing the salts with flavors deep in the meat. The end result? Chicken so juicy that it melts in your mouth.
The best part about this recipe is its ease. You don’t have to be a gourmet chef to make it. Just a few ingredients and some time, and you can have a dish ready for a family gathering, or a quiet dinner at home.
The crown jewel of this recipe is the crispy, golden-brown chicken. The coating should be perfectly seasoned to ensure you have a crispy coating filled with flavor and texture with each bite. This chicken can be served nearly any way, with mashed potatoes, some coleslaw, or even off the plate, either way you have a crowd-pleaser.
So, are you ready to hack off a piece of the next level fried chicken? Let’s get into the recipe that you will be adding to your arsenal.
Recipe Summary: Why This Fried Chicken Stands Out
If you’ve ever wondered why some fried chicken tastes so much better than others, the secret is all in the brine. This Easy Brined and Fried Chicken recipe takes the classic dish and gives it a flavorful boost that’s hard to beat. Here’s why it’s worth trying:
- Juicy Every Time: The brine ensures the chicken stays tender and moist, even after frying.
- Flavor Explosion: A blend of spices and seasonings adds depth and complexity to every bite.
- Crispy Perfection: A double-dredging technique creates a crust that’s golden, crunchy, and utterly irresistible.
- Simple Process: Despite its gourmet taste, this recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly.
This isn’t just fried chicken—it’s a culinary experience that’ll make you the hero of every meal.
A thrilling story! The day that this recipe won my family over.
I will never forget the first time I prepared this Easy Brined and Fried Chicken for my family. It was a rainy Sunday afternoon, and when I think rainy/ Sunday, I think comfort food. My husband, who doesn’t like fried chicken, ate it all. He said, “this is the best ever” and took a second piece.
Even our kids (who hate to eat) picked at it and never complained! Our dog, who usually waits patiently under the table for scraps, was practically begging for a piece as well.
From that day on, this recipe is where we turn for birthday celebrations, family game night, and even an easy weeknight dinner. There is something to be said about juicy meat with a crunchy coating that appeals to everyone.
Why You’ll Love This Simple Brined and Fried Chicken
So, what is so special about this recipe? First, the brine. The brine is very simply a mixture of water, kosher salt, sugar, and spices but it works magic on chicken. The brine not only tenderizes the meat, but leaves flavor inside the meat, not just once you bite into the crust.
Second, the coating. The combination of flour, cornstarch, and seasonings creates a coating that is crispy and tasty. When double-dredged correctly, the coating adheres perfectly and nothing is left bare.
Last, the frying. Cooking in hot oil so the chicken cooks through without burning the crust is important. The end result will be golden, juicy, and downright delicious.
Prepping an Awesome Fried Chicken
- Use a thermometer : If the chicken isn’t cooked through, there is really no point! You can use a meat thermometer to get the chicken to temperature at the internal temperature of 165F (74C).
- Let it rest : After frying the chicken, you want it to rest for a few minutes. The reason is you want all those juices to redistribute before you serve it. This way, every bite is moist and flavored nicely.
Substitutes and Variations
- Gluten Free: You can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten free blend flour.
- Spicy Version : If you want it really spicy you can add more cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the brine.
- Baked : If you want to go a healthier route with it, then you can cook at 400F (200C) for 25-30 minutes.
How to Make a Healthier Version
- Air Fryer : You can use an air fryer instead if you want a crispy lower fat option.
- Skinless : You can use skinless chicken to remove some saturated fat.
- Whole Wheat Flour : If you want some extra fiber, you can also replace the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
To Wrap It All Up: An Amazing Fried Chicken Experience
And there you have it! Easy brined and fried chicken. It is a sure way to impress and love your family and friends! Don’t forget to tell us how your dish came out and consider checking out some of our other recipes:
Easy Brined and Fried Chicken
Description
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Brined and Fried Chicken with this recipe. Tender, juicy chicken pieces brined to perfection and then fried to a crispy golden brown finish. A delightful blend of savory and succulent that will leave your taste buds craving for more.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Brine the Chicken: In a large pot, combine water, salt, sugar, garlic, peppercorns, and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer, stirring until the salt and sugar dissolve. Let the brine cool completely. Submerge the chicken in the brine, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight).
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Prepare the Coating: In a large bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.
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Dredge the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the brine and pat it dry. Dip each piece into the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
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Double Dredge: For extra crispiness, dip the chicken in water or buttermilk, then coat it in the flour mixture again.
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Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through (about 12-15 minutes for dark meat, 8-10 minutes for white meat).
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Drain and Serve: Place the fried chicken on a wire rack to drain excess oil. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 3883.13kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 192.31g296%
- Saturated Fat 54.28g272%
- Cholesterol 925.33mg309%
- Sodium 29421.3mg1226%
- Potassium 2994.06mg86%
- Total Carbohydrate 270.48g91%
- Dietary Fiber 12.03g49%
- Sugars 51.66g
- Protein 253g506%
- Vitamin A 6068.69 IU
- Vitamin C 23.35 mg
- Calcium 292.95 mg
- Iron 23.58 mg
- Vitamin D 2.47 mcg
- Vitamin E 6.84 mg
- Vitamin K 47.95 mcg
- Thiamin 2.29 mg
- Riboflavin 2.56 mg
- Niacin 96.08 mg
- Vitamin B6 4.84 mg
- Folate 428.52 mcg
- Vitamin B12 3.82 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 12.46 mg
- Phosphorus 2110.52 mg
- Magnesium 340.5 mg
- Zinc 18.47 mg
- Selenium 247.26 mcg
- Copper 1.32 mg
- Manganese 3.24 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
